A few weeks ago, I wrote about how haze was discovered loitering on the Metro Cebu skyline.
At that time, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said that this was an atmospheric phenomenon where dust, smoke and other dry particles defiled the clarity of the sky. Officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 assured the public that they are still breathing clean and healthy air. Well, I heard different from recent reports that the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) conducted a test on our air yesterday afternoon. The results worried me because it showed unhealthy levels of particulate matter in some areas of Cebu City. The test, conducted yesterday afternoon showed 155 to 254 micrograms per cubic meter of particulate matter 10. The normal value is 150 micrograms per cubic meter. We have an elevated level of particulate in the air and from what I have read in a press statement, particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest problems because they can get deep into the lungs and some may even get into the bloodstream.
If you guys read my article about this a few weeks ago, you would recall that I mentioned this, if the agencies like the DENR and PAGASA were not sure what is causing this, they should investigate further and if they can not figure this out by themselves, then they have to ask for help. This cannot be taken lightly and brushed aside. Time is of the essence. The lives of small children, old and sick people are at risk and an opinion is not enough. PAGASA still believes that this Haze is caused by the Indonesian forest fire without a well-studied data to support while The EMB 7 yesterday suggested that Metro Cebus residents wear googles, dust masks and other protective gear. People with heart or respiratory disease such as asthma should take extra precaution.
It is, however, very clear that our air is polluted based on the EMB 7s test results. Although, it is not too late. There are things that we can do, but we have to move now. It is possible to reduce the use of motor vehicles by planning our trips and by car-pooling. We can also urge our government to limit the operation of the industrial sector in the mean time until we find a permanent solution; rain seeding can also help clean the air. It is important that we reduce the high levels of pollution in our air today before we experience its ill effects on us and our children. This is a matter in which we cannot rely on others to move. This is about the air we breathe and that I think is personal. We all have to do our part.
In order for us to start change, we have to change. A little change of perspective can go a long way if we all participate to achieve one common goal. For an individual with a hectic schedule such as myself, one of the few things I can do is minimize the amount of waste I throw out by following the basic guidelines for an eco-friendly lifestyle like using paper less and recycling more, use canvas bags instead of plastic, purchasing the right light bulb, choosing cloth over paper, borrowing instead of buying, and encouraging everyone else to do the same. You may even involve your kids to participate in these activities, especially gardening, and use this healthy approach to create an activity the whole family can enjoy. There is no excuse when it comes to taking care of our home. After all, this is the only one we've got.